The Sefton Group-owned Palace Hotel and Casino in Douglas, Isle of Man, has become the the island's first property to join the Best Western portfolio in the last 10 years.

It is the first casino hotel to join Best Western's estate and will continue to be independently-owned, while being managed by Sefton Group Hotels general manager Paul Forrest.

Facilities at the newly-named Best Western Palace Hotel and Casino also comprise a fitness centre; an indoor swimming pool; a sauna and steamroom; and a whirlpool.

Best Western director Keith Pope said: "We are extremely pleased to have brand presence back on the Isle of Man and also excited to welcome our very first hotel with a casino."

Forrest added: "As a business we wish to grow and improve, and being a Best Western Hotel with Personality, will definitely enable us to do this."